Top holiday spot to fine tourists $460 for lingering in Instagram hotspots
It seems Italy is getting sick and tired of tourists. Just days after announcing it could fine people who vandalise or damage national monuments, the country looks set to impose another punishment for an extremely common holiday act.
For those travellers looking to get the perfect Instagram photo in Portofino, Italy, new rules could end up seeing them having to pay a fine of almost $460 if they take too long.
No-waiting zones for pedestrians are set to be introduced in a bid to stop overcrowding, The Times reports.
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No-waiting zones for pedestrians are set to be introduced in a bid to stop overcrowding. iStock
Two "red zones" have already been introduced in areas where tourists are known to stop for selfies, with Mayor Matteo Viacava hoping the rules will put an end to "anarchic chaos".
"The objective is not to make the place more exclusive but to allow everyone to enjoy our beauty," he told the publication.
"We want to avoid dangerous situations caused by overcrowding."
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Beautiful view of Portofino, Liguria, Italy iStock
The ban was introduced over the Easter break when a 12 per cent rise in tourists saw 1.7 million tourists visiting holiday favourites in Italy.
The rules will remain in place until October 15. They will be in force from the morning until 6pm at night.
It comes hot on the heels of the country's push for a law imposing stiff, five-figure fines on vandals who damage monuments or other cultural sites, to help pay for the repairs and clean-up.
At a Cabinet meeting earlier this week, the government approved proposed legislation championed by the culture minister that would impose fines starting at €10,000 (nearly $16,400) and as high as €60,000 (about $98,000).
